Senior IPS officer Vishwas Nangare Patil sparked a massive political controversy in Maharashtra after a viral video surfaced online showing him publicly praising the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its founder The Indian Express. The 45-second video The Indian Express—which shows Patil addressing a Hindu Sammelan event organized by the Sakal Hindu Samaj The Hindu—gained widespread attention just days after he took charge as the new Police Commissioner of Nagpur The Indian Express. In his speech, the decorated police official described RSS founder Dr. K. B. Hedgewar as a “farsighted nationalist” and praised the discipline of the organization’s volunteers The Indian Express, prompting opposition parties to heavily criticize him for violating civil service neutrality rules Deccan Chronicle.
The Maharashtra Congress filed a formal objection against the commissioner’s participation Deccan Chronicle. The party questioned whether Patil had obtained official government permission to attend the event Deccan Chronicle. They stated that glorifying a specific socio-political organization violates the All India Services (Conduct) Rules Deccan Chronicle, which demand absolute political impartiality from serving civil servants Deccan Chronicle.
Adding to the backlash, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray strongly criticized the officer for showing “dual loyalty” The Hindu. Thackeray publicly demanded that if Patil wants to openly admire the RSS, he should immediately resign from his police uniform and formally join either the RSS or the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) The Hindu.
In response to the growing political storm, Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangare Patil issued a statement defending his actions Deccan Herald. He asserted that his remarks were made completely within the framework of the law and did not break any service guidelines Deccan Herald. Patil clarified that he remains deeply committed to the Indian Constitution and respects all communities and religions Deccan Herald. Sources close to the officer also noted that he has regularly attended various public, social, and interfaith events throughout his career as part of routine community outreach programs Instagram.
Meanwhile, leaders from the ruling BJP defended the top cop Deccan Chronicle. State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated that there is nothing wrong with praising an organization like the RSS Deccan Chronicle, which works toward national honor Deccan Chronicle. The controversy continues to build public debate over the expected neutrality of law enforcement officers Instagram.
